Garment with compression adjustment arrangement

ABSTRACT

A garment configured to be worn on a human body includes at least one fabric portion provided on a torso portion or a limb portion of the garment. The at least one fabric portion is comprised of an elastic material and is configured to provide a degree of compression to the human body depending on a degree of stretch of the at least one fabric portion. The garment further includes a compression adjustment arrangement coupled to the at least one fabric portion. The compression adjustment arrangement includes a plurality of fluid pockets positioned on an inners side of the at least one fabric portion and a pump configured to pump fluid into the plurality of fluid pockets in order to stretch the at least one fabric portion.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This patent document is a continuation of and claims priority from U.S.patent application Ser. No. 14/066,019, filed Oct. 29, 2013, which is acontinuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/815,019, filed Jun.14, 2010, now U.S. Pat. No. 8,597,222, which claims priority from U.S.provisional patent application No. 61/186,500, filed Jun. 12, 2009; thecontents of each of the foregoing are incorporated herein by referencein their entirety.

FIELD

This application relates to the field of athletic garments and otherapparel and particularly to compression garments.

BACKGROUND

Compression garments are comprised of a stretchable material thatgenerally adheres tightly to an individual in one or more areas of thebody. Different compression garments are designed to provide differentdegrees of compression to a body part. However, the degree ofcompression provided by a given garment is dependent on the wearer'sindividual body shape and size. For example, two different athleteswearing a size large compression short may have significantly differentthigh circumferences, resulting in significantly different amounts ofcompression provided by the garment. Furthermore, different individualsmay prefer greater or lesser compression on a body part based on theirown personal preferences, needs, activities and/or comfort levels.

Garments do not typically include a way for a wearer to tailor acompression garment to his or her individual needs or desires. Thus, fora particular individual, compression garments typically provide only onecompression force, which provides a degree of compression based on thesize of the individual. Therefore, it would be desirable to provide anadjustable compression garment that may be quickly and easily tailoredto each individual consumer's particular needs.

SUMMARY

A garment configured to be worn on a human body includes at least onefabric portion provided on a torso portion or a limb portion of thegarment. The at least one fabric portion is comprised of an elasticmaterial and is configured to provide a degree of compression to thehuman body depending on a degree of stretch of the at least one fabricportion. The garment further includes a compression adjustmentarrangement coupled to the at least one fabric portion. The compressionadjustment arrangement includes a plurality of fluid pockets positionedon an inners side of the at least one fabric portion and a pumpconfigured to pump fluid into the plurality of fluid pockets in order tostretch the at least one fabric portion.

In at least one embodiment, a garment configured to be worn on a humanbody part includes a fabric panel and a compression adjustmentarrangement. The fabric panel is comprised of an elastic material and isconfigured to provide a degree of compression to the human body partdepending on a degree of stretch of the fabric panel. The compressionadjustment arrangement coupled to the at least one fabric panel, thecompression adjustment arrangement comprises a roller and a pocket. Theroller is retained at least partially within the pocket and isconfigured to rotate in a first direction such that at least a portionof the fabric panel is collected into the pocket.

The above described features and advantages, as well as others, willbecome more readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art byreference to the following detailed description and accompanyingdrawings. While it would be desirable to provide a garment withadjustable compression that provides one or more of these or otheradvantageous features, the teachings disclosed herein extend to thoseembodiments which fall within the scope of the appended claims,regardless of whether they accomplish one or more of the above-mentionedadvantages.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1A shows a rear perspective view of an adjustable compressiongarment in the form of shorts providing adjustable compression;

FIG. 1B shows the shorts of FIG. 1A with a thigh flap on the frontportion of the shorts released from the rear portion of the shorts witha fastening arrangement included on the shorts;

FIG. 1C shows an interior view of the thigh flap with the fasteningarrangement of FIG. 1B provided in the form of a hook pad of aunidirectional hook arrangement;

FIG. 2A shows a side view of the hook pad of FIG. 1C;

FIG. 2B shows a diagrammatic side view of the unidirectional hookarrangement of FIG. 1C with the hook pad released from a loop pad;

FIG. 2C shows a diagrammatic side view of an alternative embodiment ofthe unidirectional hook and loop arrangement of FIG. 1C with dual hookpads released from one another;

FIG. 3A shows a diagrammatic side view of an angled fiber connectionarrangement provided as an alternative embodiment of the unidirectionalhook and loop arrangement of FIG. 2B;

FIG. 3B shows a front perspective view of a short including the angledfiber connection arrangement of FIG. 3A;

FIG. 3C shows an enlarged view of the fibers of the angled fiberconnection arrangement of FIG. 3A with the fibers disengaged;

FIG. 3D shows an enlarged view of the fibers of the angled fiberconnection arrangement of FIG. 3A with the fibers engaged;

FIG. 4A shows a rear perspective view of an alternative embodiment ofthe adjustable compression short of FIG. 1A using a roller bar andpocket as a fastening arrangement;

FIG. 4B shows an upper rear perspective view of the fasteningarrangement of FIG. 4A;

FIG. 5 shows a rear perspective view of an alternative embodiment of theadjustable compression short of FIG. 1A using a pump and air pockets toadjust the degree of compression;

FIG. 6A shows a side view of an alternative embodiment of the adjustablecompression short of FIG. 1A with a lacing system as the fasteningarrangement;

FIG. 6B shows a cross-sectional view of the adjustable compression shortalong line B-B of FIG. 6A;

FIG. 6C shows an interior side view of the adjustable compression shortof FIG. 6A;

FIG. 6D shows a front view of the adjustable compression short of FIG.6A;

FIG. 6E shows a rear view of the adjustable compression short of FIG.6A;

FIG. 7A shows a cord adjustment mechanism configured for use with thelacing system of the adjustable compression shorts of FIG. 6A;

FIG. 7B shows a side view of the cord adjustment mechanism of FIG. 7B;

FIG. 8 shows a rear perspective view of an alternative embodiment of theadjustable compression shorts with lacing system of FIG. 6A;

FIG. 9 shows a rear perspective view of another alternative embodimentof the adjustable compression shorts with the lacing system of FIG. 6A;

FIG. 10A shows a rear perspective view of another alternative embodimentof the adjustable compression shorts with the lacing system of FIG. 6A;

FIG. 10B shows a rear perspective view of the shorts of FIG. 10A withthe cord adjustment mechanism being activated;

FIG. 11A shows a front view of another alternative embodiment of theadjustable compression shorts of FIG. 1A, where the adjustablecompression arrangement is directed to the hamstring muscles;

FIG. 11B shows a rear view of the adjustable compression shorts of FIG.11A;

FIG. 11C shows a side view of the adjustable compression shorts of FIG.11A;

FIG. 11D shows an adjustment mechanism for the adjustable compressionshorts of FIG. 11C with a middle elastic layer and top cover layerremoved;

FIG. 11E shows the adjustment mechanism of FIG. 11D including the middleelastic layer;

FIG. 11F shows the adjustment mechanism of FIG. 11E including the topcover layer;

FIG. 11G shows a handle of the adjustment mechanism of FIG. 11F;

FIG. 11H shows the adjustment mechanism of FIG. 11F at a firstcompression level;

FIG. 11I shows the adjustment mechanism of FIG. 11F at a secondcompression level;

FIG. 11J shows the adjustment mechanism of FIG. 11F at a thirdcompression level;

FIG. 12A shows a front view of an alternative embodiment of theadjustable compression shorts of FIGS. 11A-11J, where the adjustablecompression arrangement is directed to the quadricep muscles;

FIG. 12B shows a side view of the adjustable compression shorts of FIG.12A;

FIG. 12C shows a rear view of the adjustable compression shorts of FIG.12A;

FIG. 13A shows a front view of an alternative embodiment of theadjustable compression shorts of FIGS. 11A-11J, where the adjustablecompression arrangement is directed to the gluteus maximus muscles;

FIG. 13B shows a side view of the adjustable compression shorts of FIG.13A;

FIG. 13C shows a rear view of the adjustable compression shorts of FIG.13A;

FIG. 14A shows a front view of an alternative embodiment of theadjustable compression shorts of FIGS. 11A-11J, where each band includesa separate handle;

FIG. 14B shows a side view of the adjustable compression shorts of FIG.14A;

FIG. 14C shows a rear view of the adjustable compression shorts of FIG.14A;

FIG. 15A shows a front view of yet another alternative embodiment of theadjustable compression shorts of FIGS. 11A-11J, where an anterior thighportion is comprised of a loop compatible fabric;

FIG. 15B shows a side view of the adjustable compression shorts of FIG.15A;

FIG. 15C shows a rear view of the adjustable compression shorts of FIG.15A;

FIG. 15D shows a front view of the adjustable compression shorts of FIG.15A with the elastic bands in an increased compression position;

FIG. 15E shows a side view of the adjustable compression shorts of FIG.15D;

FIG. 16A shows a front view of an embodiment of the adjustablecompression garment where the garment is a shirt having an adjustablecompression arrangement similar to the embodiment of FIGS. 11A-11J;

FIG. 16B shows a rear view of the adjustable compression shirt of FIG.16A showing the cover layer of the adjustable compression arrangement;

FIG. 16C shows a rear view of the adjustable compression shirt of FIG.16A with the cover layer removed to expose the elastic bands of thecompression arrangement;

FIG. 16D shows a side view of the adjustable compression shirt of FIG.16A with the elastic bands and handle in an un-stretched position; and

FIG. 16E shows a side view of the adjustable compression shirt of FIG.16A with the elastic bands stretched to a first compression level.

DESCRIPTION

With reference to FIGS. 1A-1C, a first embodiment of a garment withadjustable compression is shown in the form of a compression short 10with an adjustable thigh flap 12. A compression adjustment arrangementis provided by a unidirectional hook and loop fastener arrangement thatallows the thigh flap 12 to be adjusted on the short between a pluralityof different positions. Each of the plurality of different positionsstretches the fabric of the short to a different degree such that adifferent degree of compression is provided to the thigh of theindividual wearing the short at each of the different positions.

The short 10 is generally comprised of a stretchable compressionmaterial such as a fabric including elastane, polyester, nylon, mixturesthereof, or other stretch fabrics (which may also be referred to hereinas “elastic” materials or fabrics). However, it will be recognized thatany fabric with some modulus of elasticity may be utilized in variousembodiments of the garment with adjustable compression disclosed herein.Furthermore, although exemplary embodiments of the garment withadjustable compression are described herein with reference to a pair ofshort pants, it will be recognized that the garment may be provided inany of various other forms in other embodiments, such as shirts, armsleeves, leg sleeves, socks, long pants, headgear, or any other type ofgarment.

In the embodiment of FIGS. 1A-1C, the short 10 generally comprises atorso portion and leg portions. The torso portion in the embodiment ofFIGS. 1A-1C includes a waistband 14 and a pelvis portion 16. The limbportions include a left leg portion 18 and a right leg portion 20. Theright leg portion 20 is substantially the same as the left leg portion18, with the two leg portions 18 and 20 being substantially symmetric.Accordingly, only the left leg portion 18 will be described herein.

As shown in FIG. 1B, a slit 22 is formed in the left leg portion 18 withthe thigh flap 12 provided along an edge of the slit 22. The slit 22extends from the bottom of the left leg portion 18 to an area on thepelvis portion 16 near the waistband 14. The thigh flap 12 formed alongthe slit 22 is comprised of one portion of fabric that overlaps anotherportion of fabric on the short 10. A patch 19 may be provided along theedge of the thigh flap 12 to reinforce the thigh flap 12 and provide thewearer with an area to grasp when adjusting the thigh flap 12. While theslit 22 is shown in the embodiment of FIGS. 1A-1C as being providedalong a lateral side of the leg portion 18, in other embodiments theslit 22 may be positioned in different places on the short, such as on afront or rear portion of the leg. Also, in other embodiments, the slit22 may extend the substantial length of the short 10, as shown in FIG.1B, or may extend a shorter distance along the leg portions 18 or 20.

Two complimentary fastener pads, leg pad 24 and flap pad 30 are providedon the left leg portion 18 of the short 10. The fastener pads 24 and 30provide a fastener arrangement between the two portions of fabricseparated by the slit 22. The fastener pads 24 and 30 are designed toreleasably engage one another by any of various means, such as a hookand loop arrangement. The fastener pads include a leg pad 24 that isprovided on an exterior hamstring area of the left leg portion 18. Theleg pad 24 includes a lateral edge 26 and a rear edge 28 and isconfigured to engage a flap pad 30 (see FIG. 1C) provided on theinterior portion of the thigh flap 12. The leg pad 24 is configured toengage the flap pad 30 at numerous locations between the lateral edge 26and rear edge 28 and hold the flap pad 30 in place against the leg pad24. When the leg pad 24 engages the flap pad 30, the slit 22 is closedin the shorts 10 and the compression fabric is stretched to some degreearound the leg of the wearer. Therefore, the leg pad 24 and the flap pad30 provide a compression adjustment arrangement capable of varying adegree of compression provided to the leg portion 18 of the wearer basedon the engagement position of the flap pad 30 relative to the leg pad24. A lesser degree of compression is provided on the leg of anindividual wearing the short when the thigh flap 12 and associated flappad 30 are positioned closer to the lateral edge 26 of the leg pad 24. Agreater degree of compression is provided on the leg of an individualwearing the short when the thigh flap 12 and associated flap pad 30 arepositioned closer to the rear edge 28 of the leg pad 24. The reason forthis is that the fabric encircling the leg portion 18 must be stretchedto a greater extent when the flap pad 30 is joined toward the rear edge28 of the leg pad 24, thus providing greater compression around the leg.

The materials used to provide the leg and flap pads 24 and 30 may be anyof a number of different fastener materials. For example, in theembodiment of FIGS. 1A-1C, the leg and flap pads 24 and 30 are comprisedof a unidirectional hook and loop fastener arrangement, with all of theloops provided on the leg pad 24 and all of the hooks provided on theflap pad 30.

An exemplary embodiment of the flap pad 30 providing the hooks 32 for aunidirectional hook and loop fastener arrangement is shown in FIGS.2A-2B. As shown in FIG. 2A, with a unidirectional hook and loop fastenerarrangement, all of the hooks 32 are oriented in the same directioninstead of multiple different orientations as is typical with most hookand loop fasteners. An opening 34 for receiving loops is formed betweenthe tip 36 of each hook 32 and the base portion 38 of the flap pad 30.Even though all of the hooks 32 are oriented in the same direction withthe unidirectional hook and loop arrangement, all of the loops 42 on theleg pad 24 are generally not oriented in the same direction. With such aunidirectional hook and loop arrangement, when the leg pad 24 is engagedwith the flap pad 30, the two pads easily slide across each other in afirst direction (see arrow 44 in FIGS. 1 and 2B), but the two fastenerpads 24 and 30 are locked in place when slid in an opposite direction(e.g., the direction opposite arrow 44 in FIGS. 1 and 2B). Furthermore,because the ends of the hooks 32 wrap around the loops 42, the twofastener pads 24 and 30 do not easily pull away from one another (e.g.,in a direction perpendicular to arrow 44 in FIG. 2B).

With the unidirectional hook and loop arrangement described above, thefastener pads 24, 30 may be oriented on the shorts 10 to allow a wearerto easily adjust the compression provided on the wearer's thighs. Inparticular, fastener pads 24, 30 may be oriented such that the wearermay bring the thigh flap 12 and associated flap pad 30 into engagementwith the leg pad 24 near the lateral edge 26 of the first fastener andthen slide the thigh flap 12 along the leg pad 24 (in the direction ofarrow 44 of FIGS. 1 and 2B) in order to gradually increase the degree ofcompression. As the flap pad 30 slides over the leg pad 24, the roundedportion of the hooks 32 slides over the loops 42 without engaging theloops 42. When a desired level of compression is achieved, the wearermoves the thigh flap 12 slightly in the opposite direction, or simplyreleases the thigh flap 12, allowing the compression fabric to pull thethigh flap 12 in the opposite direction. This movement of the thigh flap12 in the opposite direction causes the hooks 32 on the flap pad 30 tohook around the loops 42 on the leg pad 24. This locks the thigh flap 12in place on the shorts 10 and also locks in the desired degree ofcompression. It will also be recognized that this arrangement providesfor compression adjustment by sliding two components relative to oneanother along a planar level without the need to lift one component awayfrom the other. This would not be possible if traditional hook and looparrangements were used as the fastener pads 24 and 30, as traditionalhook and loop arrangements would prohibit the sliding of the leg pad 24relative to the flap pad 30. Accordingly, the compression adjustmentarrangement is configured to (i) retain the compression fabric of theshort 10 at a first degree of stretch, (ii) increase the degree ofstretch of the at least one fabric portion from the first degree ofstretch to a second degree of stretch without releasing the at least onefabric portion from the first degree of stretch to a lesser degree ofstretch, and (iii) retain the at least one fabric portion at the seconddegree of stretch.

After sliding the flap pad 30 along the leg pad 24 to achieve a givenlevel of compression, the user may wish to reduce the compression level.In order to accomplish such a reduction in the compression level, he orshe simply slides the fastener pads 24 and 30 only slightly in thecompression direction in order to release the hooks 32 from the loops42. The wearer then pulls the thigh flap 12 and associated flap pad 30outward and away from the leg pad 24, thus releasing the thigh flap 12from the leg pad 30.

In at least one alternative embodiment of the arrangement shown in FIGS.1A-2B, the hook and loop fastener arrangement may be substituted for adual unidirectional hook arrangement, such as that shown in FIG. 2C. Insuch an embodiment, each of the fastener pads 24 and 30 includes aunidirectional hook arrangement. The pads 24 and 30 are arranged suchthat the hooks 33 on the leg pad 24 catch the hooks 32 on the opposingflap pad 30 when the flap pad 30 is moved relative to the leg pad 24 inthe direction of arrow 45. When the hooks 32 and 33 catch each other,the fastener pads 24 and 30 are locked together and the flap pad 30 isprevented from further movement relative to the leg pad 24 in thedirection of arrow 45. However, when the flap pad 30 is moved in theopposite direction from arrow 45, the curved portions of the hooks 32 onthe flap pad 30 slide over the curved portions of the hooks 33 on theleg pad 24, allowing the flap pad 30 to move relative to the leg pad 24in the direction opposite arrow 45. Accordingly, the moldedunidirectional hook arrangement of FIG. 2A is advantageous in both ofthe embodiments of FIGS. 2B and 2C because it does not easily snagfabric in one direction of movement. Furthermore, particles are also noteasily collected in the hooks since there is no double-sided hook tolock particles in the arrangement. As used herein, the term“unidirectional hook arrangement” refers to an arrangement wheresubstantially all of the hooks of the fastener member are oriented inthe same general direction, including a unidirectional hook and looparrangement, such as that of FIG. 2B, and a dual unidirectional hookarrangement, such as that of FIG. 2C.

With reference now to FIGS. 3A-3D, another alternative embodiment of theshort 10 with adjustable compression is shown. This embodiment issimilar to that of FIGS. 1A-2B, but instead of a unidirectional hook andloop arrangement, the fastener arrangement is provided by fastener padsthat comprise angled fibers (commonly referred to as a “cat's tongue”arrangement). In particular, the leg pad 24 includes a plurality ofplush fibers 50 and the opposing flap pad 30 also includes a pluralityof plush fibers 52. The fibers 50 and 52 are oriented approximately 45°relative to the respective substrates 51, 53 from which the fibersextend. The fibers 50, 52 may be comprised of any of numerous differentmaterials, such as nylon or mohair, for example, or various othersynthetic or natural fibers that may be attached to the substrates 51,53 at an angle and resiliently maintained at such angle. In order toachieve this resilient orientation of the fibers a roller or othermechanism may be used to force the fibers 50, 52 downward while heat issimultaneously applied to the fibers, thus locking the orientation ofthe fibers relative to their respective substrates 51, 53.

When the leg pad 24 faces the flap pad 30, as shown in FIGS. 3A and 3C,the fibers 50, 52 on the respective pads 24, 30 point in oppositedirections. If the flap pad 30 is brought into engagement with the legpad 24, the fibers 50 and 52 mesh together, as shown in FIG. 3D. Theorientation of the fibers allows the flap pad 30 to slide over the legpad 24 in one direction (e.g. in the direction of arrow 54 shown inFIGS. 3A and 3B). However, the orientation of the fibers 50, 52 preventsthe flap pad 30 from moving in an opposite direction relative to the legpad 24 (i.e., a direction opposite arrow 54).

The fastener pads 24, 30 provide a compression adjustment arrangementfor the shorts 10. Thus, the fastener pads 24, 30 are oriented on theshorts 10 to allow a wearer to easily adjust the compression provided onthe wearer's thighs. In particular, pads 24, 30 may be oriented suchthat the wearer may bring the thigh flap 12 and associated flap pad 30into engagement with the leg pad 24 near the lateral edge 26 of the legpad 24 and then slide the thigh flap 12 and associated flap pad 30 alongthe leg pad 24 (in the direction of arrow 54 of FIGS. 3A and 3B) inorder to gradually increase the degree of compression. This gradualincrease in the degree of compression may be accomplished withoutdecoupling the leg pad 24 from the flap pad 30. As the flap pad 30slides over the leg pad 24, the plush fibers 52 of the flap pad 30 slideover the plush fibers 50 of the leg pad 24. When a desired level ofcompression is achieved, the wearer releases the thigh flap 12, allowingthe compression fabric to pull the thigh flap 12 in the oppositedirection, and causing the plush fibers to mesh together in a lockingarrangement as shown in FIG. 3D. This locks the thigh flap 12 in placeon the shorts 10 and also locks in the desired degree of compression.Similar to the embodiment of FIGS. 1A-2B, this arrangement provides forcompression adjustment by sliding two components relative to one anotheralong a planar level without the need to lift one component away fromthe other or disconnect the two components. Also, the compressionadjustment arrangement is configured to (i) retain the compressionfabric at a first degree of stretch, (ii) increase the degree of stretchof the at least one fabric portion from the first degree of stretch to asecond degree of stretch without releasing the at least one fabricportion from the first degree of stretch to a lesser degree of stretch,and (iii) retain the at least one fabric portion at the second degree ofstretch.

As shown in FIG. 3B, a flap 56 is attached to the left leg portion 18and extends over the thigh flap 12 in order to block the thigh flap 12from moving outward and away from the leg pad 24. The flap 56 isprovided by a swath of fabric that is secured to the pelvis portion 16of the shorts, extends over the flap pad 30, and is releasably attachedto the bottom of the left leg portion 18. Accordingly, the flap 56 mayinclude a hook and loop type fastener on an interior of the end portionof the flap 56 that engages a complimentary fastener near the exteriorhem of the leg portion 18. When the fastener on the flap 56 is removedfrom the fastener on the leg portion, the flap 56 may be peeled away toexpose the thigh flap 12. This allows the wearer to then release thethigh flap 12 from the leg pad 24 by simply pulling the thigh flap 12outward and away from the leg pad 24. In at least one alternativeembodiment, the flap 56 may be comprised of a stretch fabric that isfixed to both the pelvis portion 16 of the shorts 10 and the hem of theleft leg portion 18. In this embodiment, the wearer may gain access tothe thigh flap 12 by pulling the flap 56 outward and away from the thighflap 12, thus stretching the flap 56 and allowing the user to manipulatethe thigh flap 12 as desired.

With reference now to FIGS. 4A and 4B, in an alternative embodiment ofthe shorts 10 with adjustable compression, the thigh flap 12 is providedas an elongated swath of fabric 62 (or “power strip”) that engages aroll bar 60. The roll bar 60 provides a fastener arrangement thatcouples the elongated swatch of fabric 62 to the back side of the shorts10. The roll bar 60 includes a stationary outer portion and a rotatableinner bar portion. The rotatable inner bar is coupled to the power strip62. The roll bar 60 is configured such that the inner bar may be rotatedin a manner that rolls the end portions of the power strip 62 into theroll bar 60 or allow the end portions of the power strip 62 to bereleased from the roll bar 60. The outer portion roll bar 60 is fixedlyretained within a sleeve 64 on the left leg portion 18 of the shorts 10.The sleeve 64 may be provided by a stretch material, similar to thecompression fabric of the shorts 10, or may be provided by othermaterial. A knob 61 is provided at the top of the roll bar 60 and isconnected to the rotatable inner bar. The knob 61 allows a user torotate the roll bar 60 such that the roll bar 60 provides a compressionadjustment arrangement for the shorts 10. When the knob 61 is rotated inone direction, the roll bar 60 pulls fabric around the roll bar 60, thusstretching the fabric on the power strip 62 pulling on the power strip62 and increasing the compression around the wearer's thigh.Accordingly, the roll bar 60 may include a locking component that allowsthe roll bar 60 to be locked in place to achieve a desired compression.When the knob 61 is rotated in an opposite direction, fabric on thepower strip 62 is released from the roll bar 60, thus decreasing thecompression around the wearer's thigh. A tensioner 66 covers the powerstrip 62 next to the sleeve 64. The tensioner 66 may be comprised of aswath of fabric that is connected to the left leg portion 18 and thepelvis portion 16 or other upper portion of the leg portion 18. Thepower strip 62 extends under the tensioner 66 and the tensioner 66maintains the power strip 62 in a close engagement against the legportion 18. Similar to the embodiments of FIGS. 1A-3B, the embodiment ofFIGS. 4A and 4B provides for compression adjustment on a garment bysliding two components relative to one another along a planar levelwithout the need to lift one component away from the other or disconnectthe two components. Of course, in the embodiment of FIGS. 4A and 4B, thesliding is accomplished with the assistance of a mechanical device inthe form of the roll bar 60. Moreover, the compression adjustmentarrangement of FIGS. 4A and 4B is also configured to (i) retain thecompression fabric of the shorts 10 at a first degree of stretch, (ii)increase the degree of stretch of the at least one fabric portion fromthe first degree of stretch to a second degree of stretch withoutreleasing the at least one fabric portion from the first degree ofstretch to a lesser degree of stretch, and (iii) retain the at least onefabric portion at the second degree of stretch.

With reference now to FIG. 5, an alternative embodiment of the short 10with adjustable compression is provided in the form of a short 10including a pump 70 for moving fluid, e.g., air, with a plurality ofinflatable pockets 72 that provide the compression adjustmentarrangement. The pump 70 is in fluid communication with the pockets 72which are provided within or on a compression panel 74 that covers asubstantial part of the left leg portion 18. The compression panel 74may also extend to other portions of the short, such as the pelvisportion 16, as shown in FIG. 5. The compression panel 74 is comprised ofa compression fabric that includes elastane or any of various otherstretch materials. The compression panel 74 may cover other compressionfabric provided on the left leg portion 18, such that the pockets 72 arepositioned between an inner layer of compression fabric and an outerlayer of compression fabric provided by the compression panel 74.

The pump 70 is a hand operated push pump. The pump includes a flexiblediaphragm 76 that covers a fluid cavity behind the flexible diaphragm76. The fluid cavity is in connected to the network of pockets 72. Thepockets 72 are all interconnected by channels (not shown) that extendbetween the pockets 72. The pockets 72 and interconnecting channels maybe encased with a flexible plastic material that allows the pockets andchannels to expand and contract as fluid moves in and out of the pocketsand channels.

When a user presses on the flexible diaphragm 76, fluid in the cavitybehind the diaphragm 76 is forced out from the cavity and into thenetwork of pockets 72. When the user releases the diaphragm 76, theresilient diaphragm returns to an outward position and draws additionalfluid into the cavity. A one-way valve (not shown) provided between thecavity and the network of air pockets 72 prevents fluid from escapingfrom the network of air pockets 72 when the diaphragm 76 is released.With each subsequent depression of the diaphragm additional fluid isforced into the network of air pockets 72. As the pockets 72 fill withfluid, they expand and cause the compression fabric around them tostretch. This, in turn, increases the compression provided by thecompression fabric of the shorts 10. The wearer may continue to depressand release the diaphragm 76 until the desired level of compression isachieved. When the wearer wishes to decrease the compression level, theuser activates a relief valve (not shown) which allows fluid to escapefrom the network of pockets 72. In view of the foregoing description, itwill be recognized that the compression adjustment arrangement of FIG. 5is therefore configured to (i) retain the compression fabric of theshorts 10 at a first degree of stretch, (ii) increase the degree ofstretch of the at least one fabric portion from the first degree ofstretch to a second degree of stretch without releasing the at least onefabric portion from the first degree of stretch to a lesser degree ofstretch, and (iii) retain the at least one fabric portion at the seconddegree of stretch.

With reference now to FIGS. 6A-6E, an alternative embodiment of anadjustable compression garment is shown as a short 10 with an adjustablelacing system 80 as the compression adjustment arrangement. Each leg ofthe short 10 includes a front panel 82 and a rear panel 84 with a sidepanel 86 positioned in between the front panel 82 and the rear panel 84.The short 10 includes a fastening arrangement comprised of a pluralityof lacing guides 88, a cord 90, and a cord adjustment mechanism 100. Thelacing guides 88 are connected to the front panel 82 and the rear panel84 at positions near the side panel 86. The lacing guides 88 may beprovided in any of various forms, as will be recognized by those ofordinary skill in the art, including “eyestays” or “eyelets”. The cord90 is threaded between the plurality of lacing guides 88 such that thelacing guides 88 are connected to one another by the cord 90. The cord90 is also connected to a cord adjustment mechanism 100 which isconfigured to reduce and elongate the effective length of the cord 90that extends between the plurality of lacing eyestays 88. As usedherein, the term “cord” refers to lacing used in a lacing arrangement.The cord may be provided in any of various forms as will be recognizedby those of ordinary skill in the art, such as a braided or woven rope,cable or other elongated strip of material.

The front panel 82 and rear panel 84 of the short 10 are comprised of acompression fabric, such as, for example, an elastane or other stretchfabric. The side panel 86 is comprised of a relatively inelasticmaterial, such as a synthetic leather material. In at least oneembodiment, a mesh backer 87 (see FIG. 6B) may be provided on the insideof the side panel 86 to provide additional comfort for the wearer, andseparate the side panel 86 from the wearer's skin.

As shown in FIGS. 6B and 6C, a fold-over gusset 92 connects the frontpanel 82 to one side of the side panel 86. Another fold over gusset 94connects the rear panel 84 to the opposite side of the side panel 86. Inat least one embodiment, the fold-over gussets 92, 94 may also becomprised of a compression fabric. However, in other embodiments, thefold-over gussets 92, 94 may be comprised of other materials, includingrelatively inelastic materials, such as synthetic leather.

As shown in FIGS. 6A and 6C, a side extension panel 96 connects thefront panel 82 to the rear panel 84 near the top of the short 10 and thebottom of the short. This side extension panel 96 may be comprised ofany type of fabric, including compression fabrics and relativelyinelastic fabrics. As also shown in FIG. 6A, a reinforcement overlay 98may also be used to stabilize the area where the lacing eyestays 88 areconnected on the short 10. The reinforcement overlay 98 is typicallycomprised of a relatively strong and relatively inelastic material, suchas a synthetic leather. However, in other embodiments the reinforcementoverlay 98 may also be comprised of any of numerous other fabrics,including compression fabrics.

The cord adjustment mechanism 100 for the embodiment of FIGS. 6A-6E isprovided as a rotatable dial and spool arrangement. An exemplaryrotatable dial and spool arrangement is shown in FIGS. 7A and 7B. Inthis embodiment, the dial 102 is configured for rotation by a humanhand. Accordingly, the dial 102 includes a plurality of ribs 104designed and dimensioned to engage the fingers of the wearer, thusallowing the wearer to rotate the dial 102. The dial 102 is retainedwithin a generally circular base portion 106. The base portion 106includes two openings 108 that receive the cord 90, and allow the cord90 to move into and out of the cord adjustment mechanism 100 when aspool (not shown) of the cord adjustment mechanism 100 is rotated. Thespool is connected to the dial 102 and is made to rotate when the dial102 is rotated.

In operation, when the wearer rotates the dial 102 in one direction, thespool connected to the dial 102 reels in a length of the cord 90, thusreducing the effective length of the cord that is threaded between thelacing eyestays 88. When the effective length of the cord 90 is reduced,the eyestays 88 are drawn together, as represented by arrows 105 inFIGS. 6A and 6B. A ratchet mechanism (not shown) connected to the spoolprevents the length of cord reeled into the spool from being releasedfrom the spool. When the eyestays 88 are drawn together, the front panel82 and rear panel 84 are stretched in the direction of arrows 105, thusincreasing the degree of compression on a wearer's thighs. If the wearerwishes to relieve the compression, he or she presses a release button(e.g., depresses the dial 102 or another button on the base portion 106)in order to release the spool from the ratchet mechanism. When the spoolis released from the ratchet mechanism, the spool is unlocked and freeto rotate in an opposite direction that allows the cord 90 to be pulledaway from the spool. With the cord unlocked, the eyestays 88 pull awayfrom each other in a direction opposite the direction shown by arrows105, thus pulling the cord 90 from the spool and releasing the degree ofcompression provided by the shorts 10. Accordingly, the wearer isprovided with a garment having an adjustable compression arrangementwhere the adjustable compression panels remain connected via the cordwhen the compression on the garment is adjusted. In other words, inorder to adjust compression, there is no need for the wearer to separatea first panel from a second panel or disconnect the two panels. In thisway, the embodiment of FIGS. 6A-6E is similar to the embodiments ofFIGS. 1A-4B. Of course, in each of these embodiments, the fasteners usedto connect the panels to one another while still allowing movement ofthe panels are different. Similar to other embodiments described above,the compression adjustment arrangement of FIGS. 6A-7B is configured to(i) retain the compression fabric of the shorts 10 at a first degree ofstretch, (ii) increase the degree of stretch of the at least one fabricportion from the first degree of stretch to a second degree of stretchwithout releasing the at least one fabric portion from the first degreeof stretch to a lesser degree of stretch, and (iii) retain the at leastone fabric portion at the second degree of stretch.

With reference now to FIG. 8, an alternative embodiment of theadjustable lacing system 80 is shown where the cord adjustment mechanism100 is placed in a different location on the garment. In particular, inthe arrangement of FIG. 8, the cord adjustment mechanism 100 is situatednear the center of the left leg portion 18 and the lacing eyestays 88instead of near the bottom of the left leg portion 18 and the lacingeyestays 88. It will also be recognized that the cord adjustmentmechanism 100 could also be placed on numerous other locations on theshort 10.

With reference now to FIG. 9, in an alternative embodiment of theadjustable lacing system 80, the cord 90 is adjusted using analternative cord adjustment mechanism 100. In particular, in theembodiment of FIG. 9, the cord adjustment mechanism 100 includes atensioner 110. The tensioner 110 includes a ratchet arrangement (notshown) that allows the cord 90 to be pulled through the tensioner 110and not released until a release mechanism is activated. A handle 112 isprovided on the cord 90 to assist a wearer in pulling on the cord 90.The handle 112 may be comprised of a relatively soft and flexiblematerial. A pocket 114 configured to receive the handle 112 and cord 90is provided on the shorts 10 along the side panel 86, just above thetensioner 110. In order to increase the compression provided on the legportion 18, the user pulls the cord 90 away from the tensioner 110 usingthe handle 112. This causes a length of the cord 90 to pass through thetensioner 110, thus decreasing the effective length of the cord 90threaded between the lacing eyestays 88, and increasing the compressionprovided by the front panel 82 and rear panel 84 of the shorts 10. Inorder to decrease the compression, the user depresses a releasemechanism, thus allowing the cord 90 to pass back through the tensioner110, increasing the effective length of the cord 90 threaded between thelacing eyestays 88, and decreasing the compression provided by the frontpanel 82 and rear panel 84 of the shorts 10.

Yet another alternative embodiment of the adjustable lacing system 80 isshown in FIGS. 10A and 10B. This arrangement is similar to that of FIG.6A, but the cord adjustment mechanism 100 includes a tensioner 120 thatis rotated using a lawnmower-type pullstring arrangement instead of handrotation of the dial 102. In this embodiment, a handle 122 is connectedto a pullstring 124 that engages the spool (not shown). When the wearerpulls the handle 122 away from the tensioner 120, as shown in FIG. 10B,the pullstring 124 causes the spool to rotate in one direction,resulting in a length of cord 90 being reeled-in by the spool. This alsocauses the front panel 82 and back panel 84 to be stretched, thusincreasing the degree of compression provided by the shorts 10. When arelease actuator is depressed (such as depression of the dial 102), theratchet mechanism that locks the spool is released and the length ofcord is released back to the lacing eyestays 88. This, in turn, reducesthe amount of stretch on the front panel 82 and back panel 84 andreduces the compression provided by the shorts 10.

Still another alternative embodiment of adjustable compression garmentof FIG. 1A is shown in FIGS. 11A-11J. In the embodiment of FIGS.11A-11J, the adjustment mechanism for the compression short 10 isprovided as an interval adjustment arrangement 140, where eachadjustment interval offers a different degree of compression to atargeted muscle group.

As shown in FIG. 11E, the interval adjustment arrangement 140 comprisesat least one elastic band 144 comprised of an elastic material thatextends over the primary fabric layer 142 of the short 10 (which mayalso be referred to herein as the “base fabric layer”). Two elasticbands 144 are shown in the embodiment of FIG. 11E. Each elastic band 144includes one end that is fixedly connected to the inseam 154 of theshort 10 and an opposite end that is releasably connected to compressionadjustment members in the form of docking pads 148. When the elasticbands 144 are stretched, the bands remain connected to the inseam 154and stretch away from the inseam 154 thereby increasing the degree ofcompression provided by the elastic bands 144. However, in alternativeembodiments, the elastic bands 144 may be connected to other positionson the short 10.

The elastic bands 144 are designed to cover a target compression areafor the short 10. In the embodiment of FIGS. 11A-11J, the targetcompression area is the hamstring muscles. Thus, the elastic bands 144extend across the back of each leg portion 18, 20 in a direction that issubstantially transverse (perpendicular) to the direction of thehamstring muscle fibers. The elastic bands 144 are sufficiently wide tocover a substantial portion of the hamstring muscles. The elastic bands144 may be comprised of any of numerous materials, such as elastomericmaterials, polyester, nylon, combinations thereof, or compressionfabrics. The elastic bands 144 may be oriented on the garment such thatthe main stretch direction of the elastic bands 144 is aligned with thedirection in which the bands are pulled when adjusted for differentlevels of compression.

As shown in FIGS. 11C-11F, the adjustment mechanism 140 further includesa handle 146 connected to an end of each elastic band 144 opposite theinseam 154. The handle 146 is configured to be easily grasped by awearer and pulled, thus allowing the wearer to extend the elastic bands144 and increase compression, adding additional support to the targetedarea. The handle 146 may be comprised of any of numerous materials,including textiles and plastic materials. In at least one embodiment,the handle 146 is comprised of a relatively soft and resilient elastomersuch as polyurethane, which may be easily grasped by the wearer. FIG.11G shows that the inside of the handle 146 includes a fastener member,such as a unidirectional hook member, with the hook members curving backtoward the elastic band 144.

The handle 146 is configured to be releasably attached to any of aplurality of incrementally positioned docking pads 148 a-d. Each of thedocking pads 148 a-d is positioned on the base fabric layer 142 of theshort 10. This base fabric layer 142 may be a compression fabric, or anyof various other types of fabric. Each of the docking pads 148 a-dincludes a complimentary fastening member configured to join to thefastening member of the handle 146. Thus, the docking pads 148 a-d mayinclude loop members configured to engage the unidirectional hook memberof the handle 146. This unidirectional hook and loop fasteningarrangement allows the user to increase compression by sliding thehandle along the surface of the leg to the next incremental docking pad.In order to release the compression, the user may move the handle to aposition in-between the docking pads 148 a-d, pull the handle 146 awayfrom the docking pads and base fabric layer 142, and move the handle 146back toward the first docking pad 148 a.

The docking pads 148 a-d may be marked with indicia to indicate thelevel of compression offered at that particular docking pad. In thedisclosed embodiment, the docking pads 148 are marked with a romannumbering system, I, II, III, where the docking pad 148 d, marked withRoman numeral III is the tightest or highest compression offered. Thedocking pad 148 a closest to the elastic member is a zero or normallevel compression, and the elastic bands 144 do not offer any additionalcompression when the handle 146 is at this position (see FIG. 11F). FIG.11H shows the handle 146 connected to docking pad 148 b for the lowestlevel of compression. FIG. 11I shows the handle 146 connected to thedocking pad 148 c for the middle level of compression. FIG. 11J showsthe handle 146 connected to the docking pad 148 d for the highest levelof compression.

As shown in FIG. 11F, a cover layer 150 is provided over the elasticbands 144. The cover layer 150 forms a pocket around the bands 144 andconceals a major portion of the bands 144 on the shorts 10. In at leastone embodiment, a bridge member 116 may be connected to the cover layer.The bridge member 116 generally extends across the elastic bands 144 andhelps retain the bands 144 in a proper position on the garment. In atleast one embodiment, the bridge member 116 may be comprised of anelastomeric material. In other embodiments, the bridge member may be agenerally non-elastic material. It will also be recognized that in otherembodiments, the cover layer 150 and/or the bridge member 116 may absentfrom the garment.

The bridge member 116 may be connected to the base fabric 142 at aposition between the bands 144, thus providing a structure that extendsacross each of the bands 144 and helps maintain a separation between thebands 144. In the embodiment of FIGS. 11A-11J, the bridge member 116extends the length of the shorts 10 from waist band 14 to cuff 15.However, in other embodiments, the bridge member 116 may only extendacross the cover layer 150 (see, e.g., the embodiments of FIGS. 12A-Cand 13A-C).

As mentioned above, in the embodiment of FIGS. 11A-11J, the targetcompression area is the hamstring muscles. However, the shorts or othergarment may be arranged such that the target compression area is anothermuscle group on the lower body, such as, for example, the quadriceps,gluteus maximus, or calf muscles. FIGS. 12A-C show an alternativeembodiment where the target compression area is the quadriceps. Theadjustment mechanism 140 in this embodiment is the same as that shown inFIGS. 11A-J, but the adjustment mechanism is moved in order to providecompression to the anterior side of the short to target the quadriceps.Additionally, the bridge member 116 extends only across the cover 150instead of the length of the short in the embodiment of FIGS. 12A-C.Similarly, FIGS. 13A-C show an alternative embodiment where the targetcompression area is the gluteus maximus. The adjustment mechanism 140 inthis embodiment is the same as that shown in FIGS. 12A-C. In each of thedisclosed embodiments, the muscle group is targeted and supported byhaving the wide elastic band 144 covering that area on the body therebygaining the ability to give additional support through increasingcompression. Each of these designs includes an embodiment where thecompression adjustment mechanism utilizes unidirectional hook and loopfasteners.

Another alternative embodiment of the garment is shown in FIGS. 14A-14C.This embodiment is similar to that of FIGS. 11A-11J, but in theembodiment of FIGS. 14A-14C, each of the bands 144 is connected to aseparate handle 146. This allows the user to selectively adjust thecompression of each band 144 within a muscle group. Accordingly, theuser may choose to select an increased level of compression on a firstband (e.g., a lower band), and lesser level of compression on a secondband (e.g. an upper band) within a single muscle group. While FIGS.14A-14C show two bands 144 and handles 146 for each hamstring, it willbe recognized that any number of bands and handles may be provided for agiven muscle group. In order to maintain separation between the bands144, each band is positioned in separate sides of a split pocket in theembodiment of FIGS. 14A-14C.

Yet another alternative embodiment of the garment is shown in FIGS.15A-15E. This embodiment is similar to that of FIGS. 14A-14C, but in theembodiment of FIGS. 15A-15E the base fabric material 142 on an anteriorthigh portion 130 of the garment is comprised of a loop compatiblefabric, such as a loop compatible stretch knit fabric. For example, thebase fabric material 142 may be an unbroken loop tricot fabric weighing7.5 oz./sq. yd. and including about 91% nylon and 9% spandex. This loopcompatible fabric includes a plurality of loops integrally formed withthe knit construction of the fabric, such that individual loops extendoutward on the face of the fabric. This allows the fabric itself toprovide a large fastener connection area for engagement with aunidirectional hook arrangement. Accordingly, docking pads (such as pads148 a-148 d in the embodiment of FIG. 11A) are not included on the basefabric material 142 in the embodiment of FIGS. 15A-15E. However, it willbe recognized that in at least one embodiment, indicia of a degree ofcompression provided by the bands may be included on the loop compatiblefabric on the anterior thigh portion 130 of the shorts.

The handle 146 in the embodiment of FIGS. 15A-15E is provided by areinforced foldover elastic portion on the ends of the elastic bands144. A unidirectional hook fastener is provided on the inner side of thehandle 146. This unidirectional hook fastener is similar to that shownin FIG. 11G. The unidirectional hook fastener is configured to engagethe loops on the loop compatible fabric on the anterior thigh portion130 of the shorts 10.

Similar to the embodiment of FIGS. 11A-11F, a cover layer 150 concealsthe bands 144 on the rear portion of the shorts 10 in the embodiment ofFIGS. 15A-15E. In particular, the cover layer 150 forms a pocket on theshorts and the bands 144 are received by and at least partially retainedwithin the pocket. As particularly shown in FIGS. 15B and 15C, stitching132 is provided on the cover layer 150 which splits the pocket into twodistinct sides 140 a and 140 b, with each side of the pocket concealingone of the two bands 144. This split pocket arrangement keeps the bands144 separated on the garment and facilitates independent use of eachband 144. A bridge member 116 extends across the cover layer 150 at theopenings to the pockets.

In order to adjust the degree of compression provided by the garment,the wearer simply moves the handles 146 inward, sliding theunidirectional hooks on the underside of the handles across the loopsprovided by the loop compatible fabric of the anterior thigh portion130. FIGS. 15D and 15E show the bands 144 in a stretched position on thegarment with the attached handles 146 pulled inward (i.e., away from thebridge portion 116) in order to increase the degree of compressionprovided to the hamstring muscles of the wearer. In order to release thedegree of compression, the wearer pulls the handles 146 away from theanterior thigh portion 130 and allows the elastic bands 144 to relax.Relaxation of the elastic bands 144 draws the attached handles 146 backtoward the bridge portion 116. The handles 146 may then be reconnectedto the loop compatible fabric with the elastic bands 144 providing alesser degree of compression.

While various embodiments of the adjustable compression garment havebeen described with respect to shorts in FIGS. 1-15, it will berecognized that the adjustable compression arrangement may also beprovided on different garments, including shirts, sleeves, long pants,headgear, socks, shoes, or any other type of garment. In addition, theadjustable compression arrangement may be provided on a base layer,mid-layer, or inner layer of a garment, or on outerwear garments,including both tops and bottoms. An example of an alternative type ofgarment using the adjustable compression arrangement is shown in FIGS.16A-16E. These figures show an adjustable compression arrangement on ashirt 11 with the adjustable compression arrangement directed to themuscles of the lower back. As shown in FIG. 16A, the shirt 11 comprisesa torso portion including an abdomen portion 200, a chest portion 202, alower back portion 204 and an upper back portion 206. The shirt 11further comprises limb portions including a right arm portion 210 and aleft arm portion 212. Docking pads 148 are provided on the abdomenportion 200 and are periodically positioned along the sides of theabdomen portion extending toward the center front portion of thegarment. The elastic bands 144 are positioned on the lower back portion204 of the garment with a cover layer 150 provided over the elasticbands 144, as shown in FIGS. 16B and 16C. Similar to the arrangement ofFIGS. 11A-J, a user may adjust the level of compression by grasping thehandles 146 and moving the handles to the docking pad 148 associatedwith the desired level of compression. For example, in FIG. 16D, thehandles 146 are in a relaxed position, such that the elastic bands areunstretched. FIG. 16E shows the handles 146 moved to a first docking pad148 associated with a first level of compression. It will also berecognized that in an alternative embodiment the garment of FIGS.16A-16E may include a loop compatible fabric in lieu of the docking pads148 in the abdominal area. Furthermore, although the targetedcompression area in the embodiment of FIGS. 16A-16E is directed to themuscles of the lower back, the targeted compression area may be providedon any other portion of the shirt 11, including for example the abdomen,the arms, the upper back or the chest. Moreover, in other embodiments,different adjustable compression arrangements could be used to targetvarious areas of the upper body.

Although the present invention has been described with respect tocertain preferred embodiments, it will be appreciated by those of skillin the art that other implementations and adaptations are possible.Moreover, there are advantages to individual advancements describedherein that may be obtained without incorporating other aspectsdescribed above. Therefore, the spirit and scope of the appended claimsshould not be limited to the description of the preferred embodimentscontained herein.

What is claimed is:
 1. A garment configured to be worn on a human bodypart, the garment comprising: at least one fabric portion comprised ofan elastic material, the at least one fabric portion configured toprovide a degree of compression to the human body part depending on adegree of stretch of the at least one fabric portion; and a compressionadjustment arrangement coupled to the at least one fabric portion, thecompression adjustment arrangement including a plurality of fluidpockets positioned on an inners side of the at least one fabric portionand a pump configured to pump fluid into the plurality of fluid pocketsin order to stretch the at least one fabric portion.
 2. The garment ofclaim 1 wherein the compression adjustment arrangement configured to (i)retain the at least one fabric portion at a first degree of stretch,(ii) increase the degree of stretch of the at least one fabric portionfrom the first degree of stretch to a second degree of stretch withoutreleasing the at least one fabric portion from the first degree ofstretch to a lesser degree of stretch, and (iii) retain the at least onefabric portion at the second degree of stretch.
 3. The garment of claim1 wherein the at least one fabric portion is provided on a limb portionof the garment.
 4. The garment of claim 3 wherein the least one fabricportion is an outer compression panel that substantially covers the limbportion of the garment and the plurality of fluid pockets are positionedbetween an inner layer of fabric and the outer compression panel.
 5. Thegarment of claim 4 wherein the garment is a short.
 6. The garment ofclaim 1 wherein the pump is a hand operated push pump.
 7. The garment ofclaim 6 wherein the hand operated push pump includes a flexiblediaphragm positioned on an exterior of the garment, the flexiblediaphragm configured to be depressed by a user to force fluid into theplurality of fluid pockets.
 8. The garment of claim 6 wherein the handoperated push pump is positioned on a hip portion of the garment.
 9. Thegarment of claim 1 wherein each of the plurality of fluid pockets areinterconnected to others of the plurality of fluid pockets to form anetwork of pockets.
 10. The garment of claim 1 wherein the at least onefabric portion is a stretchable compression material.
 11. A garmentconfigured to be worn on a human body part, the garment comprising: afabric panel comprised of an elastic material, the fabric panelconfigured to provide a degree of compression to the human body partdepending on a degree of stretch of the fabric panel; and a compressionadjustment arrangement coupled to the fabric panel, the compressionadjustment arrangement comprising a roller and a pocket, wherein theroller is retained at least partially within the pocket and isconfigured to rotate in a first direction such that at least a portionof the fabric panel is collected into the pocket.
 12. The garment ofclaim 11 wherein the compression adjustment arrangement configured to(i) retain the fabric panel at a first degree of stretch, (ii) increasethe degree of stretch of the fabric panel from the first degree ofstretch to a second degree of stretch without releasing the fabric panelfrom the first degree of stretch to a lesser degree of stretch, and(iii) retain the fabric panel at the second degree of stretch.
 13. Thegarment of claim 11 wherein the fabric panel is provided on a limbportion of the garment.
 14. The garment of claim 13 wherein the garmentis a short.
 15. The garment of claim 11 wherein the roller includes astationary outer portion and a rotatable inner bar portion.
 16. Thegarment of claim 15 further comprising a knob connected to the rotatableinner bar, the knob positioned at least partially outside of the pocket.17. The garment of claim 11 wherein the roller is further configured torotate in a second direction opposite the first direction such that theportion of the fabric panel released from the pocket.
 18. The garment ofclaim 11 further comprising a tensioner extending across the fabricpanel.
 19. The garment of claim 18 wherein the tensioner is provided asa swath of material on an outer side of the garment adjacent to thepocket.
 20. The garment of claim 19 wherein the pocket is connected tothe tensioner and the tensioner extends an entire length of the pocket.